Geography: Americas · North America · United States
Directed energy weapons (DEWs) use concentrated electromagnetic energy — primarily high-energy lasers and high-power microwaves — to destroy or disable targets. Current US systems operate at around 150 kilowatts, with the DoD roadmap targeting 500 kW by 2025-2030 and megawatt-class systems thereafter. Applications include counter-drone, counter-missile, and counter-electronics warfare.
DEWs offer a transformative cost advantage: each shot costs dollars in electricity rather than millions for a kinetic interceptor missile. This is critical for countering cheap drone swarms — the unit economics of using a $3 million missile to shoot down a $1,000 drone are unsustainable. DEWs also have a 'deep magazine' limited only by power supply, not by carried munitions.
The technology faces engineering challenges in beam propagation through atmosphere, thermal management, and power generation. Mobile platforms (ships, vehicles) need compact power systems capable of sustaining high-energy output. The US military is testing DEWs across all service branches, with the Navy's HELIOS system and Army's DE M-SHORAD leading near-term deployment.